Summary

Dana Jang “Dana Jang” is a pioneering American radio programmer and DJ known for his influential role in shaping progressive rock radio in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a career spanning several decades, Jang has worked at iconic stations such as KSJO, KOME, KBAY, and was instrumental in founding KKUP, a community radio station in Cupertino, California.

= Early Life and Education =

Dana Jang was born in San Francisco in 1948 and raised in Palo Alto. His fascination with radio began in childhood, inspired by legendary sportscaster Vin Scully. “He used his voice to paint images of the game in real time,” Jang recalled, describing how he would listen to games on his AM transistor radio. His mother supported his passion by buying him his first tape recorder and shortwave radio. At Santa Clara University, Jang initially studied engineering but switched to marketing after discovering his love for broadcasting at the campus station KSCU. “I was hooked the moment I got behind the mic,” he said.

= Career Highlights =

• KKUP (1972): Jang co-founded KKUP, one of the first community radio stations not affiliated with a school or religious institution. “We wanted to create a station that gave voice to the community, not just the mainstream,” he said. • KSJO & KOME: As a program director at KSJO and later KOME, Jang helped define the sound of album-oriented rock (AOR). He was known for championing local talent and curating playlists that reflected the cultural pulse of the Bay Area. “We didn’t just play records—we told stories through music,” he explained. • KBAY & Mix 106.5: In later years, Jang transitioned to adult contemporary formats, programming KBAY and Mix 106.5. He emphasized local engagement: “We live here too,” he said, quoting the station’s slogan. “That means we don’t just broadcast to the community—we’re part of it”.

= Recognition =

Dana Jang was inducted into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame in 2022. Longtime friend Larry Johnson said, “Dana’s passion for radio has never wavered. It’s high time the Hall of Fame recognized the unique contribution he’s made from his perch in Santa Clara County”.

= Philosophy and Legacy =

Jang’s programming philosophy centers on emotional connection. “Radio should make you feel something,” he said. “Whether it’s nostalgia, joy, or rebellion—it has to move you.” He also lamented the decline of live instrumentation in modern music: “You see fewer guitar shops now. That tells you something about where music is headed”. One of his favorite memories? Meeting Stevie Nicks backstage at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga. “She was gracious and magnetic. That venue is one of my all-time favorites,” he said.

[[Category: Radio Broadcasting}}